Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Equipment

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

Senior Mechanical Engineer for Stapler Manufacturing Equipment will design and construct pioneering manufacturing equipment used to produce minimally invasive medical devices. This manufacturing equipment will range in complexity from custom manual fixtures to automated electromechanical systems, integrating functions such as electronic sensing, motion control, and machine vision. This position will play a critical role in developing cutting edge manufacturing capabilities to enable the future of minimally invasive surgery.

The ideal candidate will have experience specifying and\or developing custom automated equipment from design to sustained production use, will have demonstrated proficiency in mechanical design and the integration of electromechanical components and robotics, and will thrive working independently on complex projects. This individual will be capable of successfully leading teams in design and validation, while mentoring other engineers.

What You’ll Do

• Conceive, design, document, procure and build manufacturing equipment deemed proprietary to Intuitive Surgical: components and assemblies for robotic stapling manufacturing applications
• Designs will include pick and place mechanisms, conveyor systems, robotic end effectors and overall mechanical platforms.
• Specify requirements for manufacturing equipment which may be designed and fabricated by third parties and jointly develop custom tooling.
• Perform engineering studies to characterize equipment process windows.
• Thoroughly document all aspects of the equipment, including its requirements, design, operation, and qualification in compliance with Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP).
• Improve product quality and reliability using Six Sigma, Cpk, PpkGauge R&R, and similar quality tools.
• Support product cost reductions derived from equipment and tooling used in manufacturing.
• Advocate techniques for world-class equipment and tooling design for manufacturing, assembly and product test.
• Purchase and definition of new equipment, set-up, qualification, and release of equipment into production.
• Maintenance and upgrading of existing machines to set-up of new equipment/lines.
• Production line duplications and bring up.
• Mentor team members and build mechanical equipment engineering strength in the team.
• Identify project opportunities, scope work, build teams, and own projects from creation to completion.

 

What You’ll Bring

• BSME, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Software Engineering, Mechatronics or similar; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience, minimum 5 years’ experience developing and designing automated production systems.
• Strong familiarity with industrial robot systems controls and programming including familiarity with pneumatic controls, sensors, servos and other actuators
• Deep knowledge of high precision design
• 3D and 2D CAD proficiency, SolidWorks preferred
• Project planning and execution
• Great attitude, eager, willing/able to take initiative, works well mentoring others in team environment
• Knowledge 6 sigma methodology
• Data analysis with Minitab or JMP
• Ability to read electrical and plumbing schematics
• Able to travel periodically (5-10%). Travel to production plant in Mexico to ensure technology transfer to personnel.  Occasionally travel domestically and internationally to equipment and material suppliers

Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

You Will Knock Us Off Our Feet If you:

• Have familiarity with Robot programming (Fanuc, Denso) C/C++, and Python is a plus
• Possess strong technical analytical skills including motion control algorithms a plus
• Have previous experience in medical device, aerospace or other regulated manufacturing environments, or high-volume manufacturing a plus
• You are Bilingual (Spanish)

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.